Tired of being always connected? Do you feel like you need to take a break from the daily life and have some time to create space in your mind? If you are in the need for a good mental reset, this post is for you!

Since the global pandemie started, we all have been more connected than ever. Not really physically, but virtually. It had its advantages, but it does arrive a moment that you certainly feel that you are spending too much time in front of the screen.

I personally have experienced that I need more "me time" than before. And specially doing analog activities like cooking, going for walks or gardening. Life have slowed down in certain aspects: we don't travel anymore, we don't party anymore, we don't commute to work so often anymore... but at the same time, there is this mental fatigue from being always at home in front of a screen.

I guess those doing home office also experience something similar, or those teaching online. Also, we all communicate now with our friends more than ever via Whatsapp, Instagram or Facetime, increasing the weekly average in front of the screen. With the time we saved from commuting, we may use it for social media, watching TV or chilling, instead of doing something for yourself and with a positive impact on your mental and physical health.

With that said, I also don't think there is something wrong on spending time online. As a Yoga & Flexibility teacher and entrepreneur, I do need to spend time connected and I enjoy it. However, it is important to recognize when you need a break and to take a break from the world.

3 tip to Digital Detox in COVID-19 times:

If you are in a lock down at home...

• Define a day to stay away from the Phone or any gadget; and stock your house. Find a date that best suits you to be completely offline for 24h. Then check what you have home for analog activities like reading or painting. If you are not good at painting, try to get a Mandala Colouring book. They will release you from the anxiety of painting and they will help you focusing on the activity itself, creating space in the mind.

• Try out new analog activities. Use these 24h to sleep longer and find out new activities for you. This will bring you the chance to discover a new side from yourself. Try cooking, check new recipes, find a book to read, play an instrument... and if you don't like the activity, you can discard it in the future. But at least you tried something new and this will give you a boost of self-esteem.

• Take a long bath or shower. Stuck at home and in a digital detox has the positive side of having time. Treat yourself with a warm and long shower, skin care and other self-care activities that will increase your self-esteem. You could even try to dye your hair!

If you have the possibility to go outside...

• Be outdoors. There is nothing with a bigger positive impact than being outdoors. Nature heals us, in all aspects. If it is a rainy day, check when the rain stops and go out; or wear the rain boots and enjoy an outdoors shower :-)

• Sleep longer. For many years I basically slept the minimum in order to make the most out of the day. However, this wore me out. Sleeping is such an important part in our lives that we often neglect. So, use your digital detox day to enjoy bed a bit more than usual. Be lazy to afterwards be active!

• Enjoy analog activities. Reading, painting, cooking, gardening, building furniture... there are so many things we can do that will help boosting our mood! and of course, creating space in the mind. Take a book, go to the meadow/beach/forest/lake and spend an afternoon reading - see how you feel afterwards. Or chill on the coach with a good book! I personally love painting or going for walks without music.

Overall, a Digital Detox day should help you clearing up your mind and boosting your energies. You should feel relaxed and in the right mindset to cope with the days you have ahead.

Last but not least, you can also set a schedule for Screen Time on your phone. I learnt this from my sister, and I found it fantastic! Iphone, for example, has this functionality in their settings. It is a great way to avoid spending countless hours on the phone and reminding you to do something analog.

I hope you find this post helpful and let me how it goes during your Digital Detox day :)

xx

Zohar